Washington D.C. Online Driver Education and Washington D.C. Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Washington D.C. Learner's Permit or first Washington D.C. driver's license. Washington D.C. has a Graduated Driver License Program for Washington D.C. teen drivers, otherwise known as GRAD (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers), and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Washington D.C. driver's license goes as smoothly as possible. So let's get started.
The Washington D.C. Learner's Permit or Washington D.C. Instruction Permit
When you turn 16, you can apply for a Washington D.C. Learner's Permit. In order to apply, you'll need the following:
Once you're ready, head on down to your local Washington D.C. Driver Service Center and submit your application. Then, you'll have to take knowledge test and vision screening. Be aware that you'll have 50 minutes to take the knowledge test, so study well. If you survive, then congratulations. You've just earned your Washington D.C. Learner's Permit.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is 21 years or older. Also, you cannot use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving (even with a hands-free accessory). And, your driving hours are restricted to:
September - June
Sunday to Thursday from 6 am - 9 pm
Friday and Saturday From 6 am - 9 pm
July and August
Everyday from 6 am - 9 pm
If you receive more than 8 points on your Washington D.C. driver license, your Washington D.C. license will be suspended for 90 days, and you will have to pay a reinstatement fee.
Once you've had your Washington D.C. Learner's Permit for 6 months, you'll be eligible for the next step in the Washington D.C. Graduated License Program, the Washington D.C. Provisional Driver's License.
The Washington D.C. Intermediate Driver License or Washington D.C. Provisional License
You can apply for your Washington D.C. Provisional Driver's License once you turn 16. However, you'll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold your Washington D.C. Learner's Permit for at least 6 months
- Be at least 16 years and 6 months old
- Complete the required 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with an experienced driver
- Have your parent/guardian or driving instructor sign your 40 hours Certification for Eligibility for Provisional License form
- Provide a photocopy of the supervising driver's license
- Drive violation free for six months
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Washington D.C. Driver Service Center again. Remember to bring your identification documents and your Washington D.C. Learner's Permit. Now you'll have to take the dreaded Washington D.C. road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You've just earned your Washington D.C. Provisional Driver's License. However, you'll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Washington D.C. Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you'll have to keep in mind for the first 9 months of your Washington D.C. Provisional Driver's License:
- Only 1 passenger who has a driver's license and is 21
- Wear seatbelts at all times
- You may drive only between the hours of:
- September - June:
- Sunday - Thursday, 6 am to 10:59 pm
- Friday & Saturday, 6 am to 11:59 pm
- July & August:
- Everyday, 6 am to 11:59 pm
- The exception is if you are driving to/from work, a school activity, athletic event, or civic organization
Once you turn 17 and have held your Washington D.C. Provisional license for 6 months, you can apply for your Washington D.C. Regular Driver License. Just remember to fill out the required 10 hours Certification Form. Finally you drive unrestricted--mostly. If you're under 18, you can only have 2 passengers under 21 who aren't immediate family members and you'll have to follow these driving hours:
September - June
Sunday - Thursday, 6 am to 10:59 pm
Friday & Saturday, 6 am to 11:59 pm
July & August
Everyday, 6 am to 11:59 pm
Freedom!
Washington D.C. Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Washington D.C. Provisional Driver license, you're ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Washington D.C. drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $10,000 Damage to the Property of Others
- $25,000 3rd Party Liability Per Person
- $50,000 3rd Party Liability Per Accident
- $25,000 Uninsured Motorist Per Person
- $50,000 Uninsured Motorist Per Accident
- $5,000 Uninsured Motorist Property Damage - Subject to $200 Deductible
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Washington D.C. mandatory liability insurance, your Washington D.C. Learner Permit or Washington D.C. Provisional Driver's License could be suspended.
Washington D.C. Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Washington D.C. teen driver, it's important for you to learn the Washington D.C. drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Washington D.C. has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Washington D.C. DUI or Washington D.C. DWI, your Washington D.C. Learner Permit or Washington D.C. Driver's License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Washington D.C. DUI of .08, you'll face the following penalties:
- Fine $300 to $1,000
- Jail 90 days maximum
- License Suspension 6 months
And of course, further Washington D.C. DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Washington D.C. license suspension or even Washington D.C. license revocation.
In 2010, Washington D.C. teen drivers are prohibited using a cell phone or electronic device while driving, unless they're using a hands-free device.
Washington D.C. Online Driver Education
Washington D.C. teen Can find more information about approved Washington D.C. online driver education on the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicle website.
